Laurel Yu

Laurel Yu is on faculty as Artist in Residence at Valdosta State University, where he is violist of the Azalea String Quartet, Principal Viola of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, and administrator for the South Georgia String Project.

A native of Atlanta, Laurel began studying viola at the age of thirteen. He graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy and Boston University, and earned his Doctor of Music from Florida State University under the tutelage of and as graduate teaching assistant and assistant chamber music coordinator for Dr. Pamela Ryan and Corinne Stillwell. Other teachers and mentors include Ed Gazouleas, Michelle LaCourse, Dr. Marilyn Seelman, and David Holland.

Laurel has been Principal Viola with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, and Sinfonia Gulf Coast. He has performed with orchestras such as the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Opera Naples, Southwest Florida Orchestra, and the Naples Philharmonic. Laurel has performed with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra since 2012.

In his spare time, Laurel can most likely be found at Walt Disney World with his wife, MSO violinist, Kristin Pfeifer Yu.